Parks and Greenspace aims to combat hunger
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City workers with the Parks and Greenspace department plant dozens of trees at area parks.
As the pages of the calendar turn and the canvas of a new year unfolds, Kenneth Raggette, the director of Parks and Greenspace for the city of Beaumont, is not only welcoming the promise of a fresh start but is also delighted to witness the tangible progress made in realizing the goals set forth for his department.
In a recent initiative aimed at fostering a healthier and more sustainable community, the Parks and Greenspace team embarked on a transformative project. The focus was on addressing the issue of food deserts within the city, and their strategy involved the strategic planting of numerous fruit-bearing trees throughout various parks.
Last week marked the commencement of this endeavor, as Parks and Greenspace employees diligently planted a variety of fruit trees across different locations. Sprott Park, formerly known as Pear Orchard, saw the addition of a dozen pear trees, while Charlton Pollard Park welcomed 12 fig trees, and Rogers Park was adorned with a dozen peach trees. Looking ahead, Raggette outlined his plans to introduce a dozen citrus trees at Klein Park in late February or March, strategically aligning with prime planting season.
“The goal is to plant a variety of trees at each park each year so that, eventually, every park will boast its own flourishing orchard,” emphasized Raggette, underscoring the long-term vision of the initiative.
Beyond the mere act of tree planting, the conscientious approach extended to the creation of expansive 6 by 6 feet beds surrounding each tree. This design allows for future expansion, with the team gearing up for the addition of vining vegetables and fruits in spring. The envisioned result is a harmonious integration of fruit-bearing trees and edible crops, contributing to a holistic and sustainable urban ecosystem.
Raggette shared his optimism about the project’s timeline, expressing confidence that the fruit-bearing trees will yield abundance within the next 2 to 3 years. He envisions a future where these meticulously planned orchards become a reliable source of fresh and locally grown produce for the citizens of Beaumont.
“As these initiatives take root and blossom, we anticipate an abundance of fresh fruit and vegetables being readily available to our citizens in the years to come,” Raggette affirmed, radiating enthusiasm for the positive impact this green initiative will have on the community’s well-being.